A fascinating, unprecedented first-hand look at the soldiers on the front lines on the Global War on Terror. Plunging deep into midst of some of the hottest conflicts on the globe, Robert D. Kaplan takes us through mud and jungle, desert and dirt to the men and women on the ground who are leading the charge against threats to American security. These soldiers, fighting in thick Colombian jungles or on dusty Afghani plains, are the forefront of the new American foreign policy, a policy being implemented one soldier at a time. As Kaplan brings us inside their thoughts, feelings, and operations, these modern grunts provide insight and understanding into the War on Terror, bringing the war, which sometimes seems so distant, vividly to life.

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Quotes & Awards

One of the most important books of the last several years. Robert Kaplan uses his prodigious energy and matchless reporting skills to takes us on to the front lines with the new warrior-diplomats who use weapons, imagination, and personal passion to protect and advance the interests of the United States. This is a generation every American should come to know.”

–Tom Brokaw

No recent book so well or so vividly portrays the challenges of the modern United States military. With an impressive grasp of the complexities of military missions worldwide, Robert Kaplan exposes the reader to the world of the modern soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine. A must read for both civilian and military leaders.”

–General Barry R. McCaffrey, United States Army (Ret.), Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies, United States Military Academy

Robert Kaplan has brilliantly captured the story of today’s U.S. military operating in far-flung places on strange missions. Imperial Grunts is the most insightful and superbly written account of soldiering in the New World Disorder to date. It is a must read for all Americans.”

–General Anthony C. Zinni, United States Marine Corps (Ret.)

Kaplan infuses us with a sense of hope about the future. Through astonishing observations, truths, and stories, Imperial Grunts introduces a brand-new way of thinking about the enduring virtue of the American spirit.”

–George Crile, author of Charlie Wilson’s War

Imperial Grunts is vintage Robert Kaplan, combining a deep appreciation of history and wonderfully vivid writing with an infectious wanderlust.”

–Max Boot, Senior Fellow, National Security Studies, the Council on Foreign Relations, author of The Savage Wars of Peace

Splendid! This is the finest work in print about today’s American fighting men and the challenges they face around the globe. Kaplan’s courage in researching this book under combat conditions is complemented by his integrity and great literary skill. Imperial Grunts simply could not be better.”

–Ralph Peters, author of Beyond Baghdad

Listener Opinions

by Nick | 2/7/2014

" So far Mr. Kaplan has gone into great detail of his travels with US forces around the world. It's refreshing to hear about American soldiers and Marines overseas in South America and asia, especially when the focus is now only on the Middle East. "

by Cwhittall | 2/6/2014

" Some chapters are more interesting than others, but overall, I highly recommend this tour of Americal military operations worldwide, including the places we all hear about daily, and dozens of countries your average American has no idea we have a military presence in. "

by Rory Donnelly | 2/6/2014

" This is a great insight into the modern day American military. Kaplan is running with the army for four years and writing a series about it. This is his first. "

by Lance | 1/23/2014

" Great no nonsense look at the US military on the ground around the world. "

" Great book explaining the far-reaching 'War on Terror'. Different chapters really take you all around the world where soldiers and Marines are fighting with little to no reporting by the media. "

danny | 12/25/2013

" Very well written primer on America's "imperialistic" (hey, it's not all bad...) pretensions. Great history on the US armed forces in the Philipines and mordern-day glimpses of actions in Afganistan, Iraq, Mongolia, and others. "

Dgg32 | 12/24/2013

" A Nice Account of the global deployment of the imperial Army of the U.S. "

Alison | 12/5/2013

" Not as good as Balkan Ghosts. I picked it up to learn more about US military through a critical lens, this is not the book for that. "

Tom | 11/14/2013

" Read Kaplan's sequel, too, both ground level, first person stories of Americans with boots in 170+ nations, special forces who called buddies to get Kaplan his next access. "

Johnathon | 11/11/2013

" Great insight into past, present, and future conflicts and how unconventional warfare may be the only path to success. "

Tucansam | 9/27/2013

" it was a good breakdown of some of the not so known operations that are in effect in the world. over all an eye opener that gave me better insight into the US Military Operations. "

Danny Houghton | 7/24/2013

" My favorite author. "

Andrei Boreiko | 2/27/2013

" Sometimes controversial and too propagandisitic (although well-written). But it has some interesting ideas. "

Bill | 5/19/2012

" Great travelogue (I found myself thinking I was reading Paul Theroux) and insight on brave soldiers and marines on the ground. Excellent read - went fast. "

Griff | 5/6/2012

" First-rate reporting on America's military in various venues around the world "

Timothy Kudo | 12/17/2011

" interesting look at special forces, clearly written from someone not in the military and in awe of it though "

Matthew | 11/25/2011

" Another brilliant combination of history, political science, geography, anthropology, and reporting by Kaplan. "

Andrew Lubin | 8/8/2011

" Will review the book when I'm done, but the difference in mindset and training between deployed Marines and Army is staggering. "

Joseph Exley | 7/25/2011

" I thought it was a excellent book. "

Daniel | 4/24/2011

" Worth reading for the section on Oman alone - easily the best summary of the Sultanate that I have ever encountered. I wish I'd read it before living in Muscat.
"

Bruce | 3/16/2011

" Must read for anyone doing business in Southeast Asia - probably for anyone living in the world as well.
"

Matthew | 2/9/2011

" Kaplan's jaunt around the Indian Ocean to show the area's possible rise as an emerging nexus of economic power is enlightening and a delight. Very clear arguments blended with a wealth of travelogue.
"

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